– Travel in the summer to make the most of the long daylight hours- and of course for better chances against the wild Scottish weather.

– Pack for all seasons- this is Scotland after all!

– Take plenty of insect repellent in the summer.

– Book B&Bs early in high season, as the best ones fill up quickly.

– Travelling in a caravan or camper van would give you greater flexibility, especially with children; it also means that if you get drenched hillwalking or are brave enough for a dip, you can change into warm dry clothes and have a cuppa and a snack wherever you happen to be.

– Most of the villages in between our night stops were small with very limited facilities- don’t expect a wide choice of cafés and lunch stops along the way. If you’re hungry or low on fuel and you pass a place, stop there!